The Commission of Inquiry into the capsizing of the MV Barima is expected to begin public hearings next Wednesday and could take about six months to complete, its secretary Javed Shadick said on Tuesday.

Shadick told a press briefing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre that the inquiry’s initial two-month timeframe would have to be extended because of the anticipated volume of evidence and witnesses.

“Based on our initial estimate, I think that maybe six months,” he said, adding that more than 100 witnesses could appear before the commission.

They are expected to include first responders, government officials, survivors and relatives of those who died.

The commission will this week conduct meetings and site visits to familiarise commissioners with affected communities, port facilities and other relevant locations. Visits will include Kingston Wharf and dry-dock facilities, as well as meetings with survivors and families.

Shadick said most documents identified as necessary for the inquiry had been obtained, but stressed that preliminary investigations and document collection did not constitute formal evidence. Evidence will be presented during public hearings in accordance with the governing legislation.